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Opinion: A new vision for 2021

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On Jan. 7 the nation watched in horror the breach and sacking of the United States Capitol building by unlawful acts of breaking and entering. The violence witnessed illustrated the vast ideological divide in our country and the enormous need for leadership from the top to heal our nation.

As Americans, we take pride historically in upholding our Constitutional First Amendment rights, which afford everyone the freedom of speech. However, the country has witnessed unprecedented tolerance for some outspoken groups, referred to as “fine people” and recent exhibition of disdain for other members of society exercising their freedom of speech.

The Maricopa County Branch NAACP supports peaceful protest and continues to condemn acts of violence, systemic racism, and unequal treatment of all citizens.

The world is watching and waiting to see if the United States under our current leadership can live up to the traditions of the Foundering Fathers to protect our democracy and deliver a peaceful transition of power on Jan. 20, 2021.

The new vision is a “united” states of America that governs for all the people, and the Biden-Harris team has the challenge to bring the country together and restore peace and rebuild democracy.

It is our hope that the Biden-Harris team will implement a new vision for addressing our country’s ills that have been uncovered by the pandemic, such as vaccine distribution for COVID-19, food insecurity, unparalleled unemployment and needed police reform.

The “call to action” for the incoming administration is social equity for all.

Editor’s note: Karen Hardin, EdD, is Maricopa County Branch NAACP President.